Cattle brucellosis symptoms: what to know

Brucellosis is an infection that can pass from infected cattle and other animals to people. Exposure may occur while handling animals, tissues, or birth materials, or by consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products. Symptoms can begin with a flu-like illness: [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), tiredness, reduced appetite, [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/), and [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/). Some people develop [Night Sweats](/symptoms/night-sweats/), headache, or symptoms that come and go. These features overlap with many illnesses, so symptoms alone cannot confirm brucellosis.

Tell a clinician about contact with cattle, animal products, abattoir work, veterinary work, or unpasteurised dairy products. Include the date of exposure, the type of contact, travel, and when symptoms began. Do not start leftover antibiotics. A clinician may arrange a [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) and choose further tests based on your history and examination. Until assessed, follow local advice about food safety and avoid sharing unpasteurised products.

Arrange prompt medical review for persistent or recurring fever, drenching sweats, marked weakness, or new joint or muscle pain after a relevant exposure. Seek emergency help for confusion, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening illness. If brucellosis is confirmed, treatment must be prescribed and completed as directed; this may involve [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Ask whether your exposure warrants testing, which samples are needed, and how results will guide treatment. Ask what activity and food precautions apply while the diagnosis is being assessed.